PALS - Site Development Inspections

For single family site development projects, please request inspections using the PALS Online Permits website. This method will allow you to leave a note for the inspector with your request. Please remember to provide any needed information like a gate code when there is one. Site development inspections may also be requested by calling the Permit Application Status System (PASS) at (253) 798-4900. For all other site development projects, contact your assigned inspector directly. Your assigned inspector's name and phone number is normally listed in the approval block on your plans.

Site development inspectors do not need to enter any structure to complete their inspections; therefore, it is not normally necessary for the applicant to be on site. Please remember to advise your inspector of any information necessary to access the site (such as a gate code) or of any potential hazards on site (such as an aggressive dog).

Once you have disturbed the site, it is your responsibility to monitor it and maintain the necessary erosion control measures. This normally requires regular site visits. If, however, you find you cannot make visits for a short period of time, you can monitor the status of your permit by using our eNotification service found on our online permits website website.

Our inspectors spend most of their time in the field. Normally they come into the office in the morning to complete paperwork and return calls. They then go to the field to inspect for the rest of the day. If you did not catch your inspector before he or she has left for the field, you will not normally get a call back until the next working day. We do, however, make every effort to return all calls within one working day. If you feel your return call is taking longer than it should, you may wish to contact Development Engineering Inspection Support at (253) 798 3762, or the Inspection Supervisor at (253) 798-3756.

We are responsible for completing two types of inspections. Construction progress inspections are not normally completed unless requested by the applicant. Compliance monitoring inspections, however, are mandated by the state and federal government, and are completed at various stages of construction in order to insure adequate erosion control measures are in place and the project is not having an adverse impact on the environment or downstream resources.

This normally happens when the applicant inputs a building permit number into the system instead of their site development permit number. If you input a site development permit number, you should be given the option to request all valid site development type inspections.

General site development inspections are completed in the order received, normally within three working days. Consolidated punch lists are issued within 15 calendar days of request, provided the private engineer's inspection reports and as-built drawings have been submitted and a reasonable effort has been made to prepare the project for final inspection.

First, you should try to discuss the requirement with the inspector directly. Your inspector's name and phone number will be listed on the inspection report form. If you do not come to an agreement, you may complete and submit a Request for Reconsideration Form. These requests are normally reviewed, and a decision issued within a few working days. Attaching photos or other supporting documentation can be very helpful.